Filip Hrgovic, the Croatian heavyweight boxer, is brimming with confidence as he eyes a title shot in the heavyweight division. Despite often being overlooked in discussions about the world’s best heavyweights, Hrgovic firmly believes he stands above the rest. “In my mind, I’m the best,” he declared to reporters.
Currently positioned as the mandatory contender by the IBF sanctioning body, the 31-year-old Hrgovic is hopeful of facing the winner of the upcoming bout between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. However, with Usyk and Fury locked in a two-fight deal, Hrgovic acknowledges that his direct shot at the title might be delayed, as the IBF title could potentially be vacated by the winner of their fight.
Should this scenario play out, Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs) might find himself in the ring with Anthony Joshua later in 2024. Unfazed by the prospect of facing any of the division’s top names, Hrgovic is confident in his abilities, feeling unmatched at his level.
Hrgovic is aware that self-praise won’t elevate his status in the eyes of fans and peers, who currently see him as a respectable heavyweight but not at the very top. He recognizes the need to prove himself in the ring: “I feel like I can beat everyone but I need to prove that.”
Image Credit: DAZN